Birding

Endangered Species Day at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and learn about endangered species like the piping plover!!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites people of all ages to celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Refuge Visitor Center.  Endangered Species Day was designated to educate the American public on the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight the everyday actions that individuals can take to help protect our nation’s wildlife, fish and plants.

When: 
Saturday, May 19, 2018 1-4pm

This Hike Is For the Birds

Kids ages 4-10 will love this birding hike to Cedar Point on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

This hike starts at the Barn on the Crane Estate, and wanders down to the Cedar Point Trail where many of our spring-time birds are busy getting settled. On the way, kids will use their skills of observation to see what kinds of birds are starting to show up – where are they hanging out, and what are they doing? What do they sound like? Then we’ll head to the Pine Grove where we’ll collect pine cones to make unique bird feeders for you to hang up at home. Our adventure will end with hot chocolate and s’mores around a camp fire in the Pine Grove.

When: 
Monday, April 16, 2018 1-3pm

Family Night-Hike: Equinox Evening Explore

Celebrate the equinox with your family at Joppa Flats at Rough Meadows with Mass Audubon

Joppa Flats Education Center Staff is invites you and your family for a night hike to celebrate the Spring equinox, the celestial event that marks the true beginning of spring. As the sun sets, we'll search for signs of spring in the forest and field and use some tricks for investigating nature at night. We'll end the evening around a toasty fire pit with blankets and treats while sharing legends about the seasons and constellations.

When: 
Friday, March 16, 2018 6:30-8pm

Vacation Imagine, Sing, & Learn: Eyes in the Front, Like to Hunt

Pre-Schoolers will learn all about predators at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport!!

These December vacation programs are designed for families with creative, curious, and active preschoolers. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. We'll give you coloring pages to take home, and you'll receive song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun-fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electonic goody bag after each class.

When: 
Thursday, December 28, 2017 10-11:30 am

Vacation Imagine, Sing, & Learn: Eyes on the Side, Need to Hide

Preschoolers will learn about animals that avoid becoming prey at the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport!

These December vacation programs are designed for families with creative, curious, and active preschoolers. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. We'll give you coloring pages to take home, and you'll receive song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun-fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electonic goody bag after each class.

When: 
Friday, December 29, 2017 10-11:30 am

Vacation Week Family Fun Days: Snow Stories - Tales on the Trails

A snowy Winter day at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Join Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in the old tradition of fireside storytelling to pass the time through the cold and dark days of winter.  We will start inside around the warm crackle of the fireplace with a seasonal story, and then head outside to collect materials to make a nature bookmark.

When: 
Saturday, December 30, 2017 1-2:30pm

Piping Plover Peeping

Learn about piping plovers of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on this ranger guided tour.

Join park staff from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the federally – threatened Atlantic coast piping plover nests and how it raises its young on Plum Island’s beaches from April through August. Join a refuge ranger for a chance to glimpse this native species in its wild habitat and to hear the story of how biologists work to conserve the plover under the Endangered Species Act.

When: 
Friday, July 21, 2017 9-11am

Out Like A Lamb Hike

Enjoy a night hike at the Crane Estate to celebrate the end of March!

Join the Trustees to celebrate the last evening of the month of March with a night hike through the dunes of the Crane Wildlife Refuge! We’ll hope for the almost-spring temperatures of the month going out like a lamb, but we’ll have a great hike even if the roaring cold lion is still around!  At the end of our walk we’ll warm ourselves with hot cider around a beach fire.

When: 
Friday, March 31, 2017 7-9pm

Family Flyby: Butterflies and Bugs

Come learn about butterflies and other insects at Joppa Flats Center Newburyport

All kinds of bugs live in our backyards, including butterflies! At this family fly-by kids will learn about butterflies' and bugs' lives, their births, their diets and their survival skills.  Join us at Joppa Flats Education Center for a magnified look into their bug sized world!

When: 
Sunday, July 27, 2014 10-3 pm

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Rockport Farmers' Market

The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Haverhill Farmers' Market

Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marblehead Farmers' Market

Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Andover Farmers' Market

Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Olde Ipswich Days

Olde Ipswich Days brings art, crafts, food and music to the S. Village Green in Ipswich Massachusetts!
On the last weekend of July, artisans and fine craftsfolk from all over New England will show and sell their work on the South Village Green in Ipswich, MA. Olde Ipswich Days is a favorite for all to meet and greet old friends and new, browse the booths and do some early holiday shopping, or make...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Annual National Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting is a free event open to the public and draws crowds from all around the world to Massachusetts.
The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is a renowned annual event that transforms the shores of Revere Beach into an awe-inspiring boardwalk and open-air festival. This festival gathers world-class sand sculptors who showcase their incredible talents to hundreds of thousands of...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Marketplace

Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Art on the Bartlet Mall

For 40 years there has been the Art on Bartlet Mall painting show the first weekend of Newburyport Yankee Homecoming.
For 43 years there has been the Art on Bartlet Mall painting show the first weekend of Yankee Homecoming. Sixty local and regional artist exhibit their dynamic works. This exclusive fine arts show has developed a faithful and enthusiastic following. Whether you are a serious collector, casual...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Greek Food Festival in Newburyport

Newburyport Greek Food Festival - a Yankee Homecoming tradition at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Come to the Greek food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Chruch in Newburyport during Yankee Homecoming week! We proud to serve traditional homemade Greek entrees, such as gyros, lamb shanks, chicken and lamb kabobs, keftethes (meatballs), spinach pie, pastichio, moussaka, Greek salad as...
11:30 am to 8:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Beverly Block Downtown Street Party

Beverly Massachusetts celebrates community with their annual downtown block party.
Join Beverly Main Streets at our annual downtown Block Party on Saturday, July 26, 2025! Cabot St will be bustling with food vendors, local brewers, and music to keep the vibes flowing.
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm

High School Battle of the Bands

Newburyport High School Battle of the Bands is part of the NBPT Yankee Homecoming Massachusetts.
Newburyport Yankee Homecoming invites you to the Annual High School Battle of the Bands. Local High School aged bands will compete to see who rises to the top and with top winners getting cash prizes, performing live at other Yankee Homecoming Events and paid gigs for the band.  Watch local student...
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Friday, August 1

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Friday Night Party at Salisbury Beach

Salisbury Beach Summer Beach Party every Friday through the Summer.
Get ready for family fun every Friday night all summer long at Salisbury Beach! Starting at 7:15 PM on the Salisbury Beach stage, enjoy a full evening of summer tunes and excitement. DJ Ralphie B will be spinning your favorite hits, while hosting kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone...
7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

Waterfront Concert: Fortune

Fortune will fill the waterfront with music for Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport Massachusetts
Fortune will fill the waterfront with music for Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport Massachusetts! For well over two decades, Fortune has regularly packed venues throughout New England. Hailing from Peabody, MA, this 6-piece band has long maintained a reputation for smooth three and four part vocal...
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Saturday, August 2

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Haverhill Farmers' Market

Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marblehead Farmers' Market

Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Andover Farmers' Market

Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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